LGBTQ+ Nonprofit's Campaign Would Expand Youth Programs

Worcester MA

13 June, 2022

4:31 PM

Description

WORCESTER, MA — A Worcester nonprofit that offers arts and culture programs to LGBTQ+ young people is trying to raise $100,000 to grow its local presence. Love Your Labels recently launched the $10 from 10,000 campaign, which aims to collect 10,000 $10 donations from people and businesses in the area. The fundraiser will help the nonprofit open its own space, hire staff and expand the Threads Youth Fashion program. The Threads program allows high schoolers to explore their gender and sexuality through fashion design, and earn skills like project planning, design and sewing. The program was most recently run in a Creative Hub Worcester space. Love Your Labels President Joshua Croke said programs focused on uplifting LGBTQ+ youth are needed now especially due to recent attacks on gay and trans rights. Over the weekend, police in northern Idaho arrested members of a right wing hate group who authorities say planned to riot at a Pride month celebration in Coeur d'Alene. In the Worcester area, a Millbury resident checked out LGBTQ+ books from the town library and refused to return them because of their content — part of a recent hysteria about books geared toward gay and trans youth. "In an age where LGBTQ+ youth face bullying in school and online, and as anti-trans legislation is being pushed across the country, support is important now more than ever," Croke said in a news release. The $10 from 10,000 campaign kicked off last week, coinciding with the start of Pride month. The campaign will run through September, when Love Your Labels hosts its annual Queer AF fashion and art show.